How to Detangle Matted Hair, According to Professional Hairstylists

Of all the bad hair day culprits, matted hair can be the most stubborn and frustrating. Unsurprisingly, attacking your nest of knots with the nearest brush is not the best approach for your hair health–but when you discover a matted section, the sense of urgency to untangle it is real. Whether its a bad case of bedhead, friction from a hood or collar, or a complete surprise attack, just about everyone has dealt with hair matting.

Below, experts tell us how to detangle matted hair quickly and sans damage.

What causes matted hair?

Matted hair is usually caused by of a combination of factors. According to master stylist and Brazil Edition founder Rogerio Cavalcante, these include: dryness, lack of regular detangling, product buildup, and sleeping with loose hair. Friction against the hair (whether from clothing, pillows and bedding, or even certain styling practices) can also easily lead to matting.

Samantha English, lead stylist and educator at DESIGNME, explains that dry hair is more prone to becoming matted because the cuticle (the outermost layer of each strand, which has a layered, scale-like texture) begins to lift, causing hairs to interlock. Chemical treatments, bleach, and dyes can also weaken the cuticle, she says, and while “any hair type can mat, long hair, curls, coils, fine textures are most vulnerable.” English also says that protective or tight styles can also lead to matting if left in too long, by compacting tangles at the base.

How do you detangle hair without damage?

Slow and steady is the name of the game when detangling matted hair. Cavalcante says that you should never wash matted hair before properly detangling it, since wet hair is much more delicate, and lathering up the section will only cause more friction and tangling.

Cavalcante advises that you start by feeling around the matted area to see if you can gently loosen the knots with your fingers–without yanking when you feel resistance. Apply a base layer of detangling spray to the area, and use a wide tooth comb or detangling brush to gently work at the mat, starting at the outer edges (closest to your ends, not your roots) and using small strokes. If possible, section the tangled hair and work on controlled areas: “This keeps tension low and prevents mats from tightening as you detangle,” English says. When you hit a hard spot, resist the urge pull through it. Instead, reach for a product.

What tools and products help detangle matted hair?

The best system for detangling mats varies based on hair type. Fine and straight hair can tangle quickly, but mats generally release easily, English says. If this is your hair type, prioritize lightweight detangling products and sprays–Cavalcante likes Amika and Oribe‘s formulas–and work through knots extra gently. Applying a small amount of hydrating hair oil to your mid-lengths and ends can also help prevent knotting.

Matted waves and curls are often easier to detangle when wet or damp: moisture and slip is critical to prevent snapping, English says. It’s a good idea to get into the habit of using a curl conditioner, weekly hydrating masks, and leave-in treatments to detangle when damp (if mats form when washing your hair). Textured and coily hair is most prone to matting–but the good news is, it can stand up to heavy-duty detanglers. English advises saturating natural hair mats with DESIGNME’s leave in treatment, then applying their rich hydrating mask before detangling (first pass with your fingers, then with a wide tooth comb) from the ends to the roots.

How can you prevent hair matting?

Cavalcante emphasizes that preventing matted hair is much easier than remedying it. He recommends keeping your hair hydrated and detangling daily, using a silk pillowcase, and if necessary, sleeping in loose braids, a protective style, or a light hair covering. According to English, opting for a sulfate-free, hydrating shampoo will help your hair to retain moisture, and layering hydration products (masks, leave-ins, curl creams, and oils) will “keep the hair cuticle flat and elastic.”